A Computer Simulation Modeling Approach to Estimating Utility in Several Air Force Specialties

Abstract : This research produced a prototype of an interdependent, multiple-job utility assessment system. The simulation utility management system (SUMS) prototype can be used to determine the effects of changes in manpower policy and programs on individual job and total system utility. The model development involved identifying appropriate costs associated with acquisition, training, maintenance, and separation of enlisted personnel and determining a dollar value of services rendered during a potential 30-year service tenure. The prototype includes major personnel programs used by the Air Force to access, train, upgrade, reenlist, and separate enlisted personnel. SUMS maximizes overall system utility through an optimal allocation of accessions, given the expected quality mix of the accession pool. The prototype was tested using data for four Air Force Specialties (AFSs) and determined system utilities resulting from six different personnel management scenarios: force drawdown, increasing minimum aptitude requirements, accession pool reduction, increasing the size of the force drawdown, imposing minimum manning requirements, and determining aptitude cutoff scores.